The Schynige Platte ridge trail is an exciting hike with with big mountain views, rocky peaks, dramatic cliffs, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers. It's one of my all-time favorite hikes in Switzerland.
Trail: moderate • 2h30 • 5.6 km loop • 150m up and down • See trail map.
Open: July to mid October
Conditions: webcam • weather
How to get there
You reach the trail with a cogwheel train that leaves from Wilderswil (5 mins from Interlaken).
Address: Wilderswil train station - Hauptstrasse 10, 3812 Wilderswil
By car: The closest parking is at Parl+Ride Wilderswil - see on Google maps. Remember to pay the meter. Check open spaces. It's about a 5 min walk to the Wilderswil train station.
The mountain train takes about 50 mins to reach the top at Schynige Platte.
Tickets
You'll need a round trip ticket for the Schynige Platte train.
Free with Jungfrau Travel Pass. Discounted 50% with Swiss Travel Pass, Bernese Oberland Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, and GA.
Trail description
From the Schynige Platte train station, start by walking up to the alpine flower garden above the station. Walk through the garden, following signs to "Daube" which is the first viewpoint at the start of the ridge.
When you reach the Daube viewpoint, walk along the ridge following the trail signs labeled "Panoramaweg".
After about one hour, you reach a fork in the trail where you turn right to loop back to Schynige Platte (straight ahead leads to Faulhorn). You walk through alpine meadows until reaching the train station again.
➡️ More details on SwissFamilyFun.com
Trail conditions
The trail follows a narrow, dirt footpath, often with stairs and rocky, uneven terrain. Best down with sturdy hiking shoes with good tread and hiking sticks.
It has one steep-ish climb at the beginning with switchbacks. But otherwise, not too difficult. Children will need a little endurance, but I think a six year old with hiking experience will do quite well.
The trail is not particularly dangerous as the sections near the cliffs set away from the edge and have a modest fence.
Where to eat
No services along the trail. At the mountain train station, there is a kiosk selling snacks. Short walk to the hotel's restaurant with a big panorama terrace and small playground. Or you can picnic along the trail.